Rappler Talk Entertainment: Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray

MANILA, Philippines – Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray returned to the country for her grand homecoming, and its been a big celebration with Filipinos following her everywhere she goes. (IN PHOTOS: Catriona Gray’s homecoming parade)

The 25-year-old Filipino-Australian beauty queen became the country’s 4th Miss Universe in December 2018, less than 3 years after Pia Wurtzbach brought back the crown in 2015.

In this interview with Rappler contributor Voltaire Tayag, Catriona talks about life in New York and looks back on key moments in her life.

Here are a few notes from Voltaire, who’s followed Catriona’s journey since winning Miss Universe Philippines 2018:

I wanted to spare Catriona of the passé pageant questions and the redundancy of media round interviews. She’s talked a lot about her plans, advocacies, feelings and duties already. So I decided to ask questions that felt more fun and personal.

It was the first time that Catriona and I would be able to sit down together since her crowning. What many people don’t know is that the moment someone is crowned Miss Universe, protocols have to be observed. Miss Universe, after all, is a job and one must abide by the rules of the organization. Think of it this way, it would be like bringing your family and friends to your place of employment just to catch up.

That’s why as we started the interview, Catriona said that she literally was whisked away. From being able to have a private dinner days before, suddenly she was surrounded by bodyguards and we could be happy from a distance. It is no wonder why Catriona became emotional during her homecoming press conference. It is truly the first time since her win that she will be able to celebrate with her countrymen and see their faces.

In a span of two months, she has become the second most followed Miss Universe on social media. More than a numbers game, Catriona sees it as an increased platform to reach more people for her advocacies.

 I wanted Catriona to have some breathing room to just be Catriona. The expectations imposed by others on how she should act, look, talk, and move are sometimes ridiculous. There’s no better way to center oneself amidst all the craziness but through family.
 
I had prepared these photo cards that featured Catriona’s parents, Ian and Mita Gray, and her wonderful photo with BPCI Chairperson Stella Araneta and her husband, Mr Jorge Araneta coupled with some of her most adorable baby pictures.

It was priceless to see Catriona’s face light up as she opened each one. It was so beautiful and touching how lovingly she described her family. She’s truly grown up into a woman who has her feet firmly planted on the ground, with values that are most admirable – a charming personality that sparks happiness in others and a solid understanding of who she is.

Bookmark this page or head on over the Rappler Entertainment’s Facebook page to watch her interview. – Rappler.com